Trinity Thorpe-Lubneuski on the Impact of Internet Access in Rural America

Those of us who have easy access to the internet often take for granted the benefits we reap from it. By providing equitable access to the internet across our rural communities, we are opening doors for these individuals to start a business, finish their degrees, participate in programs, and reap the benefits as well. This week, season 2, episode 4 of Entrepreneurship on the RISE Podcast, is about the impact of internet access! 

 

In this episode of Entrepreneurship on the RISE Podcast, Jacob and Lauren, joined by their guest Trinity Thorpe-Lubneuski are sharing the importance of providing equitable access to the internet and how both data and personal stories weave together to drive decisions.

Trinity Thorpe-Lubneuski

Trinity Thorpe-Lubneuski

Trinity Thorpe-Lubneuski leads administration for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest broadband adoption program. Trinity received her bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University and earned a master’s degree in Social Work and Master of Science in Social Policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining the Internet Essentials team Trinity held position is government affairs at Comcast, data, strategy, and accountability at the School District of Philadelphia, and policy research with The Pew Charitable Trusts. Her work in communications, research, and policy has impacted the lives of students, foster youth, and low-income families nationally.

Trinity is a board member of Concilio de Organizaciones Hispanas in Philadelphia and is the Chair of the Tech Advisory Board for Older Adults Technology Services, an affiliate of AARP. She is an alumnus of Harvard University’s Strategic Data Project Fellowship and is a recipient of the Council for Opportunity In Education’s National TRIO Achiever award.

Key Takeaways

  • What programs Comcast is working on to make a difference in rural communities. 
  • How Trinity’s background in policy and advocacy has shaped how she is active in her career today. 
  • The importance of inclusion and iteration in policy creation.
  • Where Trinity and her team are being recognized for their heart-centered work. 
  • Using digital navigators to connect one another and provide equitable resources.

Providing equitable resources goes far beyond setting up the internet in a community but going one step further to educate and fill the gaps on how to utilize these resources to their benefit.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

 

CONNECT WITH COMCAST AND TRINITY THORPE-LUBNEUSKI:

Apply for the Comcast Rise Program 

LinkedIn

 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Boston Consultant Group Study

The Investment and Infrastructure Jobs Act

Poor Economics

Good Economics for Hard Times

Furiously Happy 

Talking to Strangers

The Pew Charitable Trusts